Your rating of this hotel:
6.0
from 10
Hotel ratings by criteria:
Rooms:
7.0
Service:
7.0
Cleanliness:
8.0
Food:
6.0
Amenities:
6.0
Flight.
We flew from Kazan with Fly Dubai. On board the aircraft paid food and drinks (optional). The menu, as well as the range of Duty Free products, is on the back of the seat in front of you. Alcohol not purchased on board is not welcome. Of the amenities, I noted only the presence of a screen with a flight route. The seats are not very comfortable, because there is a small distance between them. If the seat is tilted in front of you, there will simply be nowhere to put your legs. Most of the staff speaks English and Arabic. Only one girl spoke Russian, so we had to “catch” her in order to find out any information or apply for a service.
Currency exchange.
The easiest way to change money is at the Spinneys supermarket, which is located not far from the hotel (after leaving the hotel, immediately turn left and go to the crossroads where the overground metro line passes, and turn left again). It is large and its name can be seen from afar.
The supermarket is open around the clock, but the exchange office is open from about 8 am to 10 pm. The rate is always constant (3.66 dirhams for 1 dollar), so there is simply no point in looking for other exchangers.
Hotel and room.
We lived on the first floor (in our opinion it is considered the second), that is, above the reception. Room 170. Rested together with a friend. Most hotels don't have balconies, and this one didn't either. The view from the window is a normal, busy street, below is the entrance to the hotel, Burj Khalifa is visible in the distance. Cars honk often and loudly, so it was sometimes difficult to fall asleep. But we came to the room late, and got up at 6-7 in the morning, so there were no problems with sleep.
The hotel is like a hotel. There is constant check-in and check-out. 6 elevators are rarely empty. On floor G, where the reception is located, it is never deserted, it is always full of people.
Nutrition.
We only had breakfast. It was more convenient for us. And we didn't regret it one bit. The food is really the same.
From fruits every day - unripe watermelon and melon, sweet oranges, good tasty green apples. One day there were dates. There is very little greenery. Tomatoes and those not every day. Juices - only from the machine (packaged, not natural), 2 types. Always sausages, cheese, scrambled eggs (or eggs), milk, cereal, even oatmeal. You will not stay hungry, but you will have to eat exactly the same thing every day.
For lunch we went to a Chinese restaurant in the hotel. It came out about 25-30 dirhams per person.
Before the trip, I studied many reviews, the information turned out to be very useful. Everyone praised the Afghan restaurant in Nasser Square. We liked him very much too. Went there twice for lunch. In fact, there are several Afghan restaurants, but a local Russian-speaking guy from Samarkand showed us the best one. It's called Kabul Darbar Restaurant. How to get there: take a taxi from the hotel to the OLD BASTAKIA area, ask to stop at the Dubai Museum.
Taxi costs 10 dirhams. Behind the museum is the Hindu market, where the best prices are for scarves, pashminas, clothes, tablecloths. Need to bargain. The price is almost doubled. I advise you not to buy in the first shop, but to look at prices from others. There is also an old fort nearby, where you can take a boat to Nasser Square for 1 dirham. This is the cheapest way to get to an Afghan restaurant. Upon exiting the boat, you need to go to the mosque and ask there how to find Kabul Darbar Restaurant. It is located in the depths of the local streets, and therefore, even the second time we arrived there, we had to look for it a little. But it's worth it. A portion of excellent lamb kebab costs about 25 dirhams. It is served free of charge with soup (broth), a plate of greens and a large hot freshly baked pita bread. This restaurant is always mostly men, so don't be surprised if they stare at you for a while.
The main thing is that the clothes must be appropriate! Women must have closed shoulders and a dress below the knees. For men, trousers are better than shorts.
Transport.
If you are more than 2 people, it is better to travel by taxi. Beige is better (they have a roof of different colors). They always stand next to the hotel. As soon as they sat down - 3 dirhams appear on the counter, even if you have not started yet. Those are the rules. The minimum amount of the trip that you will still be charged is 10 dirhams, even if you drive 100 meters. That is, if you have already arrived at the right place and there are 7 dirhams on the counter, you will still need to pay 10.
If you need to go far, it is better to use the bus or metro. The card for these types of transport is common and is purchased at the metro station. The nearest metro station is AL KARAMA (from here you can easily get to Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, fountains, Emirates Mall and Dubai Marina).
What is very convenient - Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and fountains - everything is side by side in one place.
It is better to buy a gray card for the metro. It costs 20 dirhams and you will have enough of it for your entire holiday. It is rechargeable and you will be able to use it next time you come to Dubai. The same card can be used to pay for bus trips.
The subway is unusually clean, comfortable, pleasant to be in it. The metro works without a driver - pure automation. Remember that inside the subway you can not eat or drink even water. If they see it, it's a fine. The cost of the trip is written off at the destination station, at the exit from the metro, depending on the distance of the trip. Do not try to use one card for two, it will not work.
Transfer to the beach.
The beach, where the free bus takes you, is far away. Don't try to walk there. The bus runs 3 times in the morning and 3 times in the afternoon. The queue needs to take about 10 minutes if you want to leave immediately, because.
there are really a lot of people who want it. A taxi to the beach costs about 15-17 dirhams per car. Sometimes we used a taxi, especially in the early days, when we wanted to arrive at the beach early in order to sunbathe and not burn out at the same time. You need to bring your own towel. An umbrella costs 10 dirhams, we took one for two, that was enough. It makes no sense to take a sunbed, sunbathing on the sand is even better. The beach is clean, you can not litter. There are urns everywhere. There is an excellent Russian-speaking lifeguard on the beach who is always monitoring the situation. With us, one Chinese woman almost drowned. We did not even understand what had happened, because no one was screaming or calling for help. Two girls swam, one began to sink and go under water, the other for some reason did not scream for help, but tried to save her on her own. The lifeguard immediately jumped into the water. The girl was saved, although she swallowed a lot of water and already on the shore she still came to her senses for about 10 minutes.
There are absolutely no living creatures in the water, so you can safely swim. The sun is strong after 10 o'clock, take care of your skin, you can quickly and easily burn.
I recommend taking a taxi on your own to the free beach to the Parus (Burj Al Arab). You will love it there. A taxi costs about 30-35 dirhams per car. Get in and tell the driver "Jumeirah Open Beach is located next to the Burj Al Arab". Because our hotel free beach, where the bus takes, is also called Jumeirah Open Beach. The taxi driver may misunderstand you. And be sure to ask to be driven along the Jumeirah Beach Road (along the coastline), it's faster and cheaper.
Tours.
We took excursions from the local travel agency Arabian Knight. They are slightly cheaper than hotel guides, and the quality is sometimes even better! Recommend. How to find them. When the first bus arrived at the beach, immediately at the exit you will see a woman (she is constantly in white clothes and a white baseball cap) named Veronica.
Take a book from her with a detailed description of all excursions. Or you can call her from the hotel from the free phone, which is located near the reception, in the corner where there are computers, next to the luggage compartment. Veronica's number is 9042726110. We called her at any time. If you want to go see fur coats, call her too. They have a Russian driver, Vyacheslav, who takes you for free to several large and fairly inexpensive boutiques with fur coats. My friend bought a chic last-model fur coat for $3.000 at the Abrazh Center on the 8th floor from the Greek Kostas.
From the excursions we took Safari ($50), Abu Dhabi ($55) and the Indian Ocean ($55). These are the best tours. And you should definitely visit them, you won't regret it! I booked tickets for Burj Khalifa on my own in advance via the Internet through their official website. The cost turned out to be 105 dirhams per person. Paid with a bank card.
But you can also buy tickets directly upon arrival. Immediately on the first day, buy in advance and in 3-4 days you will get to this tower at a cost also within 100 dirhams. If you buy tickets on the same day, the price will be 3-4 times more expensive! They only go up to the 124th floor, there is an observation deck. There are no time limits if you come on your own, without a tour group. The entrance to the tower is only through the Dubai Mall! It is better to come in advance, because in order to immediately find the ticket office for entering the tower, you need to be well oriented in the Dubai Mall, and it is quite large.
For any questions, you can contact, I will answer.
Nuances.
In large stores, it is best to pay with a credit card. Because there were cases when you pay in cash, and you have to return the change, the sellers may not return a few dirhams, but leave them as a tip, while smiling sweetly. We had this in the Dubai Mall.
In supermarkets, I advise you, if possible, to give the amount without change, having calculated the cost of goods in advance. The first time at the Spinneys supermarket, at the checkout, we were also given change incorrectly, “blurring” 1.5-2 dirhams from each of us. I didn’t want to argue with them, so in the future they gave money exactly without change.
Which was a pleasant surprise.
In the Emirates, you will not encounter cases of theft and theft. All local people are very civilized, tolerant, calm. No one sticks to anyone, no one grabs by the hand, as happens in Turkey or Egypt. They treat foreigners very respectfully. Therefore, we must behave accordingly. I do not advise girls and women to take tunics, transparent clothes and short dresses with a decollete with you to the Emirates - you simply will not need them! Against the background of other women who are most often dressed in everything long and closed, you will look ridiculous.
I liked the rest very much.
The country is hospitable, Dubai is an ultra-modern city. I will definitely go there again!
Write, I will answer everyone.
We flew from Kazan with Fly Dubai. On board the aircraft paid food and drinks (optional). The menu, as well as the range of Duty Free products, is on the back of the seat in front of you. Alcohol not purchased on board is not welcome. Of the amenities, I noted only the presence of a screen with a flight route. The seats are not very comfortable, because there is a small distance between them. If the seat is tilted in front of you, there will simply be nowhere to put your legs. Most of the staff speaks English and Arabic. Only one girl spoke Russian, so we had to “catch” her in order to find out any information or apply for a service.
Currency exchange.
The easiest way to change money is at the Spinneys supermarket, which is located not far from the hotel (after leaving the hotel, immediately turn left and go to the crossroads where the overground metro line passes, and turn left again). It is large and its name can be seen from afar.
The supermarket is open around the clock, but the exchange office is open from about 8 am to 10 pm. The rate is always constant (3.66 dirhams for 1 dollar), so there is simply no point in looking for other exchangers.
Hotel and room.
We lived on the first floor (in our opinion it is considered the second), that is, above the reception. Room 170. Rested together with a friend. Most hotels don't have balconies, and this one didn't either. The view from the window is a normal, busy street, below is the entrance to the hotel, Burj Khalifa is visible in the distance. Cars honk often and loudly, so it was sometimes difficult to fall asleep. But we came to the room late, and got up at 6-7 in the morning, so there were no problems with sleep.
The hotel is like a hotel. There is constant check-in and check-out. 6 elevators are rarely empty. On floor G, where the reception is located, it is never deserted, it is always full of people.
Nutrition.
We only had breakfast. It was more convenient for us. And we didn't regret it one bit. The food is really the same.
From fruits every day - unripe watermelon and melon, sweet oranges, good tasty green apples. One day there were dates. There is very little greenery. Tomatoes and those not every day. Juices - only from the machine (packaged, not natural), 2 types. Always sausages, cheese, scrambled eggs (or eggs), milk, cereal, even oatmeal. You will not stay hungry, but you will have to eat exactly the same thing every day.
For lunch we went to a Chinese restaurant in the hotel. It came out about 25-30 dirhams per person.
Before the trip, I studied many reviews, the information turned out to be very useful. Everyone praised the Afghan restaurant in Nasser Square. We liked him very much too. Went there twice for lunch. In fact, there are several Afghan restaurants, but a local Russian-speaking guy from Samarkand showed us the best one. It's called Kabul Darbar Restaurant. How to get there: take a taxi from the hotel to the OLD BASTAKIA area, ask to stop at the Dubai Museum.
Taxi costs 10 dirhams. Behind the museum is the Hindu market, where the best prices are for scarves, pashminas, clothes, tablecloths. Need to bargain. The price is almost doubled. I advise you not to buy in the first shop, but to look at prices from others. There is also an old fort nearby, where you can take a boat to Nasser Square for 1 dirham. This is the cheapest way to get to an Afghan restaurant. Upon exiting the boat, you need to go to the mosque and ask there how to find Kabul Darbar Restaurant. It is located in the depths of the local streets, and therefore, even the second time we arrived there, we had to look for it a little. But it's worth it. A portion of excellent lamb kebab costs about 25 dirhams. It is served free of charge with soup (broth), a plate of greens and a large hot freshly baked pita bread. This restaurant is always mostly men, so don't be surprised if they stare at you for a while.
The main thing is that the clothes must be appropriate! Women must have closed shoulders and a dress below the knees. For men, trousers are better than shorts.
Transport.
If you are more than 2 people, it is better to travel by taxi. Beige is better (they have a roof of different colors). They always stand next to the hotel. As soon as they sat down - 3 dirhams appear on the counter, even if you have not started yet. Those are the rules. The minimum amount of the trip that you will still be charged is 10 dirhams, even if you drive 100 meters. That is, if you have already arrived at the right place and there are 7 dirhams on the counter, you will still need to pay 10.
If you need to go far, it is better to use the bus or metro. The card for these types of transport is common and is purchased at the metro station. The nearest metro station is AL KARAMA (from here you can easily get to Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, fountains, Emirates Mall and Dubai Marina).
What is very convenient - Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and fountains - everything is side by side in one place.
It is better to buy a gray card for the metro. It costs 20 dirhams and you will have enough of it for your entire holiday. It is rechargeable and you will be able to use it next time you come to Dubai. The same card can be used to pay for bus trips.
The subway is unusually clean, comfortable, pleasant to be in it. The metro works without a driver - pure automation. Remember that inside the subway you can not eat or drink even water. If they see it, it's a fine. The cost of the trip is written off at the destination station, at the exit from the metro, depending on the distance of the trip. Do not try to use one card for two, it will not work.
Transfer to the beach.
The beach, where the free bus takes you, is far away. Don't try to walk there. The bus runs 3 times in the morning and 3 times in the afternoon. The queue needs to take about 10 minutes if you want to leave immediately, because.
there are really a lot of people who want it. A taxi to the beach costs about 15-17 dirhams per car. Sometimes we used a taxi, especially in the early days, when we wanted to arrive at the beach early in order to sunbathe and not burn out at the same time. You need to bring your own towel. An umbrella costs 10 dirhams, we took one for two, that was enough. It makes no sense to take a sunbed, sunbathing on the sand is even better. The beach is clean, you can not litter. There are urns everywhere. There is an excellent Russian-speaking lifeguard on the beach who is always monitoring the situation. With us, one Chinese woman almost drowned. We did not even understand what had happened, because no one was screaming or calling for help. Two girls swam, one began to sink and go under water, the other for some reason did not scream for help, but tried to save her on her own. The lifeguard immediately jumped into the water. The girl was saved, although she swallowed a lot of water and already on the shore she still came to her senses for about 10 minutes.
There are absolutely no living creatures in the water, so you can safely swim. The sun is strong after 10 o'clock, take care of your skin, you can quickly and easily burn.
I recommend taking a taxi on your own to the free beach to the Parus (Burj Al Arab). You will love it there. A taxi costs about 30-35 dirhams per car. Get in and tell the driver "Jumeirah Open Beach is located next to the Burj Al Arab". Because our hotel free beach, where the bus takes, is also called Jumeirah Open Beach. The taxi driver may misunderstand you. And be sure to ask to be driven along the Jumeirah Beach Road (along the coastline), it's faster and cheaper.
Tours.
We took excursions from the local travel agency Arabian Knight. They are slightly cheaper than hotel guides, and the quality is sometimes even better! Recommend. How to find them. When the first bus arrived at the beach, immediately at the exit you will see a woman (she is constantly in white clothes and a white baseball cap) named Veronica.
Take a book from her with a detailed description of all excursions. Or you can call her from the hotel from the free phone, which is located near the reception, in the corner where there are computers, next to the luggage compartment. Veronica's number is 9042726110. We called her at any time. If you want to go see fur coats, call her too. They have a Russian driver, Vyacheslav, who takes you for free to several large and fairly inexpensive boutiques with fur coats. My friend bought a chic last-model fur coat for $3.000 at the Abrazh Center on the 8th floor from the Greek Kostas.
From the excursions we took Safari ($50), Abu Dhabi ($55) and the Indian Ocean ($55). These are the best tours. And you should definitely visit them, you won't regret it! I booked tickets for Burj Khalifa on my own in advance via the Internet through their official website. The cost turned out to be 105 dirhams per person. Paid with a bank card.
But you can also buy tickets directly upon arrival. Immediately on the first day, buy in advance and in 3-4 days you will get to this tower at a cost also within 100 dirhams. If you buy tickets on the same day, the price will be 3-4 times more expensive! They only go up to the 124th floor, there is an observation deck. There are no time limits if you come on your own, without a tour group. The entrance to the tower is only through the Dubai Mall! It is better to come in advance, because in order to immediately find the ticket office for entering the tower, you need to be well oriented in the Dubai Mall, and it is quite large.
For any questions, you can contact, I will answer.
Nuances.
In large stores, it is best to pay with a credit card. Because there were cases when you pay in cash, and you have to return the change, the sellers may not return a few dirhams, but leave them as a tip, while smiling sweetly. We had this in the Dubai Mall.
In supermarkets, I advise you, if possible, to give the amount without change, having calculated the cost of goods in advance. The first time at the Spinneys supermarket, at the checkout, we were also given change incorrectly, “blurring” 1.5-2 dirhams from each of us. I didn’t want to argue with them, so in the future they gave money exactly without change.
Which was a pleasant surprise.
In the Emirates, you will not encounter cases of theft and theft. All local people are very civilized, tolerant, calm. No one sticks to anyone, no one grabs by the hand, as happens in Turkey or Egypt. They treat foreigners very respectfully. Therefore, we must behave accordingly. I do not advise girls and women to take tunics, transparent clothes and short dresses with a decollete with you to the Emirates - you simply will not need them! Against the background of other women who are most often dressed in everything long and closed, you will look ridiculous.
I liked the rest very much.
The country is hospitable, Dubai is an ultra-modern city. I will definitely go there again!
Write, I will answer everyone.
Translated automatically from Russian. View original
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